Beyond imported things and computer screens: the economic and social impacts of labor migration to families of Overseas Filipino Workers

Abstract

Labor migration has been the only resort of many Filipinos as it truly provide the family its needs for a period of time. The country's underdevelopment and economic problems such as unemployment, unequal opportunities and poor social services are the primary factors why Filipinos look for better circumstances abroad. Branded and packed by its own government as skilled, cheap and docile workers, Filipinos are predominantly for export to other countries. Families become distant to each other, if not torn apart, due to the need to be away for a really long time. Children grow up without the guidance of parents and some even grow apart with them. The study focuses on the economic and social impacts of labor migration to the families of Overseas Filipino Workers and whether labor migration is a tool for development of such families. The data gathering was conducted through case studies and key informant interviews. The questions asked were made to identify the roles of OFWs in their lives, their living conditions before, during and after the family member's labor migration and the emotional impacts and financial benefits of the family. The research has shown that labor migration helps in improving the living conditions of the OFW's family. However, this is not sustainable for the vast majority of Filipino workers. Many are immersed in poverty and are using their income primarily for their subsistence and for the payment of debts. The solution to break away from poverty does not lie on sending Filipino workers overseas but on making the Philippines a better place for them not to be "forced" to leave it.